Jewelry Crime Report: 2017 Begins With Widespread Crime

At approximately 10:22 a.m., two suspects attempted a smash and grab. The suspects approached a watch case carrying pillow cases and hammers, but after about 40 seconds the suspects fled without breaching the showcases.

Both suspects are black males. One suspect has a slim build and is 5’10” tall. He weighs 150 pounds and was last seen wearing a dark hoodie with white gloves and white tennis shoes. The second suspect has a slim build and is 5’9” tall. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and a black and white bandana. He also wore a dark hoodie and had tan pants. Both suspects were last seen in a gray Nissan Altima. 

Tip!

Showcases that are properly constructed and use thick, laminated glass can slow down or completely stop robbers

Two suspects brandished firearms while others smashed showcases at a jewelry store inside of a large shopping mall. 

This incident was separate from two other gun-related crimes that happened at San Antonio-area malls in five-day span. No one was injured in this robbery and it has not been said whether the incidents were connected.

Witnesses reported the suspects fleeing the mall in a truck. Anyone with information regarding the suspects' identities or their whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 224-STOP (7867).

Tip!

 If your business is located in a mall, seek additional security guard services

 At approximately 3:00 a.m., two suspects failed in their attempt to burglarize a jewelry store.

They were able to gain entry by breaking into an adjoining building and cutting a hole into the wall. After their attempt to compromise the safe turned out to be unsuccessful, they ended up fleeing.

If you have any information regarding the identities of these suspects, please contact NYPD’s Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.

Tip!

Make sure you're using a UL-listed safe that's rated as TRTL-15x6 or better 

A female suspect used a fraudulent credit card to purchase a luxury watch.

She attempted to use one card initially, but it was decline and she swiped a second card. The second card did not have a chip and was processed normally.

If you have any information regarding the identity of this individual, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at (212) 687-0328.

Photo courtesy of Jewelers' Security Alliance

Tip!

Get a functional EMV-reading device to process credit card transactions 

At approximately 12:05 p.m., two suspects entered a jewelry store and asked to see a luxury watch. When the sales associate removed it from the case, one of the suspects grabbed it from the associate's hands and fled.

At approximately 12:52 p.m., both suspects entered a pawn shop in Santa Barbara, CA and asked to have a luxury watch appraised. They then asked if they could see the watches the store had for sale. Each suspect was shown a watch, but they immediately fled, leaving the original watch behind.

It was later confirmed the watch left behind was the same one stolen in Camarillo.

A newer model dark gray Buick was the vehicle reported in both cases. If you have any information regarding the identities of the suspects involved, please contact Detective Heather Clark at (805) 897-2330.

Tip!

Share suspicious incidents or crimes with other jewelers in your area